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NBA Mock Draft 9.0: LaMelo Ball falls out of the top 3; Knicks snag Obi Toppin

By Michael Saenz

NBA Draft prospect Killian Hayes (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
NBA Draft prospect Killian Hayes (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft
NBA Draft prospect LaMelo Ball (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) /

4. Chicago Bulls – LaMelo Ball, G, Illawarra Hawks

Selection and commentary: Darnell Turner 

With the fourth pick, the Chicago Bulls grab LaMelo Ball, a player with one of the highest ceilings in a draft without much star power. The Bulls have Zach Lavine and Coby White, but at this point in the draft, leaving Ball on the board is a risk with not many, if any, possible franchise changers to choose.

The Bulls went 22-43 in their pandemic shortened season, missing the playoffs for the third straight. The team is not much closer to being back in contention any time soon; the front office can’t approach this draft looking for a fit.

LaMelo Ball has not shown star ability on the defensive end, but his physical tools (6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan) suggest with the right coach to get him to buy into that side, he could become an elite defender, serviceable at worst. His shot is still in question (28 percent), but he showed promise in catch and shoot opportunities.

What you are getting is a fantastic playmaker with exceptional vision and handle that can be looked at as an electric open court running mate with Zach LaVine. If Ball buys into defense and his shot continues to improve, he will be a great point guard in a league dominated by guards.